System And Method For Providing Image Products And/Or Services

ABSTRACT

A system and method for obtaining photographic products and/or services comprises bundling image capture and printing technologies into products and/or services that are paid for by a consumer with monthly or yearly subscription fees. The system and method involves selecting a camera and selecting a photographic products/service plan which designates photographic products and/or services which are to be associated with the selected camera. The system and method gives the consumer the option of selecting a specific camera from a menu of cameras, and a specific photographic product/service plan which is to be associated with the selected camera from a product/service menu.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of application U.S. Ser. No. 11/549,733, filedOct. 16, 2006, entitled “System and Method for Providing Image Productsand/or Services”; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/574,985,filed May 19, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,158,945, entitled “System andMethod for Providing Image Products and/or Services”; which is acontinuation-in-part of US Ser. No. 09/534,471, filed Mar. 24, 2000, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,587,337, entitled “Leasing A Configured Camera System”,each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety andcross references the following:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/574,950, filed May 19, 2000, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,111,317, issued Sep. 19, 2006, entitled “A Method ForProviding Image Goods And/Or Services”; to Dale F. McIntyre et al.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/775,003, filed Feb. 9, 2004, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,260,546, issued Aug. 21, 2007, entitled “Method ForProviding Image Goods And/Or Services To A Customer”, to Dale F.McIntyre et al;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/044,574, filed Jan. 27, 2005, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,509,668, issued Mar. 24, 2009, entitled “Leasing AConfigured Camera System”, to Kenneth A. Parulski;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/613,524, filed Dec. 20, 2006, nowU.S. Publication No. 20070103723, published May 10, 2007, entitled“System and Method for Facilitating Imaging Services Using a ServiceIdentification Number Stored in an Image Capture Device”, to Dana W.Wolcott et al;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/615,060, filed Dec. 22, 2006, nowU.S. Publication No. 20070107007, published May 10, 2007, entitled“System and Method for Requesting Digital Imaging Services using a CableTV Communications Unit”, to Dana W. Wolcott et al;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/685,823, filed Mar. 14, 2007, nowU.S. Publication No. 20070157273, published Jul. 5, 2007, entitled“Method For Providing Image Goods And/Or Services To A Customer”, toDale F. McIntyre et al

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/534,469, filed Mar. 24, 2000, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,937,997, issued Aug. 30, 2005, entitled “Configuring andPurchasing Imaging Devices” to Kenneth A. Parulski;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/534,470, filed Mar. 24, 2000, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,836,617, issued Dec. 28, 2004, entitled “PurchasingConfigured Photographic Film Products” to Kenneth A. Parulski;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/137,078, filed Jun. 2,1999 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Providing a User CustomizableDigital Camera” to Girish Prabhu et al.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method of bundling imagecapture and printing technologies into products and/or services that arepaid for by a user, consumer or customer with a subscription fee. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a system and method ofproviding photographic services, in which a selected and/or speciallyconfigured camera and a selected photographic product/service associatedwith the camera is provided. The present invention also includes usingthe Internet or other electronic network for the purchasing orregistration of such goods and services.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Digital cameras, film cameras, printers, and other imaging devices canbe purchased in stores or over the Internet from the Eastman KodakCompany at kodak.com or other web sites. The web site may provide text,pictures, and even animated graphics describing and comparing variousproduct models. However, the same standard product, defined by the stockkeeping unit (SKU), is shipped to everyone who decides to buy thatparticular product.

Some products (such as golf shirts) that can be ordered over theInternet, or via phone or the U.S. mail service, can be ordered in aparticular color with a personalized monogram or name. In this case, theletters of the monogram/name are sent to the location where the shirt ispersonalized, where the letters are manually loaded into a sewingmachine that physically stitches the monogram into the shirt.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,411 discloses an arrangement for orderingmerchandise over the Internet. Computers can also be ordered over theInternet. See, for example, the Dell computer Internet site atwww.dell.com. Using this site, different configurations of a Dellcomputer can be purchased. The customer can buy a “standard”configuration of a particular model computer, or can instead select(using pull-down menus) various options. A “learn more” link next toeach option enables the user to understand the differences between theseoptions in order to select the most appropriate option. Prior artpatents related to customizing computer systems include U.S. Pat. No.5,894,571, U.S. Pat. No. 5,995,757 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,991,543, and U.S.Pat. No. 5,963,743. These patents relate to ordering selected equipmentover the Internet, but the equipment that is produced is definedentirely by the user selections from pre-existing menus. The user doesnot upload personal data or digital images that are used to personalizethe computers or other merchandise.

A digital camera system, described in commonly-assigned U.S. PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/137,078 (Docket 79,556), filed Jun. 2, 1999entitled “Method and Apparatus for Providing a User Customizable DigitalCamera”, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference,includes the ability to download, from the Internet, special softwarecomponents that can be used to “upgrade” a camera to providepersonalized capabilities, or to personalize a camera in a retail storeas the camera is sold.

The ability to customize a camera after purchase using a memory card(for example, by providing a template background into which an image isplaced) is described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,264 toSarbadhikari et al., the disclosure of which is herein incorporated byreference.

The ability to provide camera defect data from a camera manufacturingsite over a network to an interactive control node which corrects imagesprovided by a digital camera is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,385, toMaurinus et al.

Commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,758,216 to Arnold, the disclosure ofwhich is herein incorporated by reference, describes a single use camerahaving pre-exposed latent images of symbols that are combined withcaptured images.

On a web page found at http://www.bestcameras.com/ a user can ordersingle-use cameras in a variety of cover designs. The user can call aphone number posted at the web site and have a template mailed to theuser in Adobe Illustrator format. The user can modify the design in thetemplate and mail back the file, where it can be printed and attached tothe outside case of a single use camera. The user can also order singleuse cameras on-line. The user can choose between several printed papercover style options, and can personalize the cover with a text messageimprinted using the color of text that he or she selects.

The camera company (http://www.thecamera.co.uk) enables a user to ordercustomized single use cameras. The customer mails the company logo,photographs, or other literature to the company, which designs a camerafor the customer, having a customized printed paper cover for a group ofcameras.

Digital cameras are also increasingly being improved with respect topicture quality and image storage. These improved digital cameras, andthe products and services associated with the cameras can in some casesbe prohibitively expensive. The conventional approach to the purchase ofcameras and photographic products/services does not provide a costefficient and convenient way to obtain and use a variety of cameras,such as high end, high priced digital cameras, while at the same timetaking advantage of the vast array of photographic products and serviceswhich are available.

Further, the conventional approach to photography and the purchasing ofcameras and associated products and services, does not give a consumerthe opportunity to bundle and customize specific photographic productsand/or services with a selected camera for a specified fee and time; andthe further opportunity to keep the camera at no cost, exchange thecamera for a new camera or purchase the camera at a reduced rate at theend of a predetermined time period.

It has also become increasingly popular to share digital images,particular over the internet. However, this has been limited toindividuals having relatively expensive computers for the capture and/ortransmission of digital. In addition when such personal computers areused, the digital data files are transmitted over standard phone lines.Transmission over conventional phone lines generally takes substantialamounts of time to due to the limited capacity of the typical phonelines. Thus there is a need to expand the number of individuals thataccept and transmit digital images without requiring substantialinvestment in equipment such as personal computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a system and method of providingphotographic products and/or services to a consumer. With the system andmethod of the present invention, a consumer has the option of selectinga camera from, for example, a menu of cameras, and further to select atype of photographic service which the user wants associated with theselected camera to create a photographic product/service plan. Thephotographic product/service plan would be in the form of a subscriptionor contract, and would be set for a predetermined time, for example, oneyear, and at a predetermined fee, for example, a monthly fee. As anexample, under the product/service plan, the consumer would use theselected camera for a year, and be offered the selected photographicservices and/or products for images captured by the camera, either for amonthly fee or a yearly fee. As a further option, after the expirationof the service plan, the consumer can either keep the selected camera atno cost, purchase the camera at a reduced price, or exchange the camerafor a new camera.

The present invention provides for a method of providing photographicproducts and/or services which comprises the steps of selecting acamera; selecting a photographic product/service plan from a menu ofphotographic product/service plans; associating the selected camera withthe selected photographic product/service plan and creating aproduct/service plan account indicative thereof; and entering theproduct/service plan account into a computer database to maintain arecord of photographic products and/or services provided in accordancewith the selected photographic product/service plan.

The present invention further relates to a method of providingphotographic products and/or services to a consumer which comprises thesteps of selecting a camera and photographic products and/or serviceswhich are to be associated with the camera for a predetermined timeperiod, such that the photographic products and/or services are providedto images captured by the selected camera; and maintaining an account ofthe photographic products and/or services as the photographic productsand/or services are provided to the consumer.

The present invention further relates to a method of providingphotographic products and/or services which comprises the steps ofselecting a camera and photographic products and/or services which areto be associated with the camera for a predetermined time period, suchthat the photographic products and/or services are provided to filmexposed by the selected camera; and maintaining a record of photographicproducts and/or services as the photographic products and/or servicesare provided to a user.

The present invention further relates to a system for providingphotographic products and/or services which comprises a photographicproduct/service input station into which information with respect to aselected camera and a selected photographic product/service plan whichis to be associated with the selected camera is input. The photographicproduct/service input station creates a user product/service account fora user indicative of the selected camera and the selected photographicproduct/service plan. The system further comprises a computer databaseunit operationally associated with the photographic product/serviceinput station that receives and stores the information with respect tothe selected camera and the selected photographic product/service plan.The computer database unit is adapted to update the user product/serviceaccount as photographic products and/or services in accordance with theselected photographic product/service plan are requested and completed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a system that implements thisinvention;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a typical purchase transaction for providingpersonalized digital imaging products;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic still camera that can bepersonalized as part of the purchase transaction;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an APS film camera that can be personalizedas part of the purchase transaction;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a digital printer that can be personalizedas part of the purchase transaction;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a digital image display device that can bepersonalized as part of the purchase transaction;

FIG. 7 depicts a one-time use film camera that can be personalized aspart of the purchase transaction;

FIG. 8 depicts a pre-exposed image on the film used in the camera ofFIG. 7 or sold as a separate film box;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of apparatus used to personalize the one-timeuse film camera depicted in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a typical purchase transaction forproviding the personalized one-time use cameras depicted in FIG. 7 usingthe apparatus depicted in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a typical lease transaction for providingpersonalized digital imaging products and services; and

FIG. 12 depicts a block diagram of a modified system made in accordancewith the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a method is described forconfiguring cameras or other imaging devices. A customer, such as apurchaser or lessor, selects various camera features, provided bycorresponding software programs. The software programs can be, forexample, various firmware modules executed by a processor that controlsthe imaging device. The customer provides a payment identifier, such asa credit card or debit card number, specifying an account to be debitedto pay for the camera. A camera configured to include the featuresselected by the customer, provided by the corresponding softwareprograms, is then sent to a designee of the customer. The customer'sdesignee can, of course, be the customer.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, acustomer selects various camera features and imaging services. Suchservices can include storing digital image files from the selectedcamera on-line, or producing digital prints or digital storage products(e.g., CD-R discs) from digital images from the selected camera. Thecustomer completes a lease agreement and provides a payment identifier.A camera configured to include the features selected by the customer isthen sent to a designee of the customer, and a service account isestablished to specify the selected services that the designee isentitled to use.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, thecustomer also provides personal digital data identifying the designee.This personal digital data can include ASCII text providing thedesignee's name, mailing address, phone number, or e-mail address, and adigital image of the designee. This digital data is then stored in thedigital imaging device and can be displayed to determine the owner, incase the digital imaging device is lost or stolen.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, thecustomer orders a lot of one-time use (OTU) cameras or a lot of filmrolls, for a particular event with which the customer is associated. Thelot can, for example, include several thousand film rolls for an eventsuch as the Rose Bowl parade or a few dozen OTU cameras for an eventsuch as an anniversary party. The customer provides one or more digitalimages, which are then pre-exposed onto the first film frame(s) of thefilm in the OTU cameras, or the film rolls. The customer can alsoprovide images, graphics, or text messages which are included on a labelattached to the OTU camera.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system includes a computer (and associatedperipherals) 10 located at the customer, such as the purchaser orlessor's location (e.g., their home). The system also includes a networkservice provider, such as Internet service provider (ISP) equipment 30located at the ISP's location, which communicates with the computer 10to provide a network connection for the purchaser/lessor to a channel36, such as the Internet. The system further includes a productcustomization center 40 which communicates with the computer 10 via thechannel 36 and the ISP 30 to perform the steps of selecting,configuring, purchasing, billing, and shipping a customized imagingdevice 80. The product customization center 40 includes an electronicdatabase 44, which is located remote from the computer 10.

The products to be customized (e.g., the digital cameras to becustomized) can be manufactured or assembled at the productcustomization center 40. Alternatively, they can be manufactured at adifferent location, and shipped to the product customization center 40where they are customized. The various portions of the productcustomization center 40 can be located in a single building or complexof adjacent buildings, or can be geographically disbursed over severalsites in different cities or even different continents. For example, theelectronic database 44 and a manufacturing customization computer 52 canbe located in different cities and interconnected via a suitable digitalcommunications network, such as the Internet. Furthermore, theelectronic database 44 can itself be distributed over several computersin several different locations.

The computer 10, which can be, for example, a Dell Dimension XPS M200,includes a CPU motherboard 12, using, for example, a Pentium 200 MHz MMXprocessor as well as RAM memory. The CPU motherboard 12 executessoftware stored on a hard drive 20, for example, the well-known Windows98 operating system software and the Internet Explorer web browsersoftware, both provided by Microsoft Corp. of Redmond, Wash. The CPUmotherboard 12 is directly coupled to a display monitor 14 and akeyboard 16. A mouse 18 permits the customer to readily communicate withthe CPU motherboard 12. The CPU motherboard 12 communicates with a colorscanner 24, such as a Microtek ScanMaker E6, which can scan aphotograph, for example, a picture of the customer or the designee ofthe customer, and store the digital image of the photograph on the harddrive 20. The customer's computer 10 also includes a dial-in modem 22for communicating with the ISP 30 in order to connect to a channel 36,such as the Internet.

The ISP 30, for example, Earthlink Network, Inc. of Pasadena, Calif.,includes banks of modems 32, one of which is connected to communicatewith the modem 22 of the customer's computer 10. The modem 32 in turncommunicates with computers/routers 34 in order to provide a connectionto the channel 36 using equipment and techniques well known to thoseskilled in the art.

The product customization center 40 is connected to the channel 36, suchas the Internet, by a network server, such as Internet server 42, whichis comprised of one or more computers and associated peripherals. Theelectronic database 44 provides information describing numerous imagingdevices 80, such as digital cameras, APS film cameras, digital printers,image display devices, and the like. The electronic database 44 includesinformation describing different features of these devices that can beselected and customized by the customer using the customer's computer10.

The electronic database 44 further includes software programs, forexample, JAVA applets, MPEG or QuickTime movies, or Shockwave files,which depict the functionality of features that the customer can choose.The software programs may demonstrate features, such as in-camerared-eye removal using images provided as part of the electronic database44. In this case, the program shows a “before processing” picture havingred-eye, and an “after processing” picture which has been processed toremove red-eye. Alternatively, the software program may demonstratefeatures using customer supplied images, such as images provided usingthe scanner 24. In this case, the user can observe the effects of thefeature, such as red-eye removal, using their personal images in orderto better judge the value of a particular feature. The “before” pictureis supplied by the user, and the “after” picture is processed usingsoftware supplied by the electronic database 44. This software canprocess the image on the user's host computer 12 by using, for example,a JAVA applet. Alternatively, the user's image may be transferred viathe ISP 30 and the channel 36 to the Internet Server 42 and processed.The “after processing” image can then be transferred from the InternetServer 42 to the user's computer 10 for viewing on the display monitor14.

The electronic database 44 can be contained on the same computer as theInternet server 42, or can utilize a separate computer, or can bedistributed over several computers at the same physical site, or atdifferent sites.

When a customized imaging device 80 is purchased, the electronicdatabase 44 communicates with a billing system 46 to verify that thepayment identifier (e.g., credit card or debit card number) provided bythe customer is valid, and to debit the account for the purchase. Thecustomer's account that is debited can, of course, be located at aremote financial institution. Typically, as with credit cards, thisfinancial institution will make payment to the direct provider or sellerof the imaging device 80. This is generally done by wiring the amountinto the direct provider's account, generally an account establishedwith another financial institution.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic database 44 is connected to amanufacturing customization computer 52 that forms part of a productconfiguration system 50. The product configuration system 50 providesand downloads software programs, such as customized firmware modules, tothe imaging devices 80 in order to configure the imaging devices 80 toprovide the customer selected features. The firmware downloaded to aparticular digital imaging device 80 includes firmware selected from aproduct firmware database 54 in response to purchaser/lessor selections,and personal digital data provided by the customer, such as name andaddress information, or a digital picture. The manufacturingcustomization computer 52 is also connected to a product label printer58 which produces custom product labels 60 which can be affixed to theimaging devices 80.

The manufacturing customization computer 52 also communicates with ashipping system 70 that controls a shipping label printer 72 to producea shipping label 74. The shipping label 74 is attached to a shippingcontainer (e.g., a cardboard box) that contains and protects theproperly configured imaging device 80 during shipment (e.g., via airexpress mail, ground carrier, etc.) to the customer's designee.

Turning now to FIG. 2, there is shown a flow diagram of a typicalpurchase transaction for providing personalized digital imagingproducts. As shown in block 100, the customer, using a digitalcommunication network, logs onto the channel 36, which can be theInternet. The customer can, of course, use a service provider, such asthe ISP 30, to gain access to the channel 36. The ISP 30 uses anaddress, such as an Internet protocol (IP) address, to establish aconnection between the customer's computer 10 and a product provider orseller which owns or controls the product customization center 40.

In block 102, the product provider provides the customer with a menu ofimaging devices 80 that are available for configuration, such as anelectronic camera 300 depicted in FIG. 3, a film camera 350 depicted inFIG. 4, a digital printer 400 depicted in FIG. 5, and a digital imagedisplay device 500 depicted in FIG. 6.

In block 104, the customer selects a desired type of imaging device 80to be purchased, for example, the electronic camera 300. At that point,in block 106, a menu of customizable features that can be selected, andcorresponding prices, is presented to the customer. In block 108, thecustomer customizes the features of the desired electronic camera 300 soas to select a desired configuration for the electronic camera 300.

The features from which the customer can select may include featuressuch as:

Configuring the electronic camera 300 to provide different types ofcolor images, such as monochrome, sepia, false-color, or super saturatedcolor images or special effects filters (e.g., a digital star filtereffect);

Configuring the electronic camera 300 to support various imageresolution or compression levels, compression algorithms, or image fileformats;

Configuring the electronic camera 300 to provide the ability to modifycaptured images as they are processed, such as by digital zooming andcropping, tone or color adjustments, or sharpness adjustments;

Configuring the electronic camera 300 to provide red-eye removal asdescribed in commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/290,290, filed Apr. 13, 1999 to Fredlund, the disclosure of which isherein incorporated by reference;

Configuring the electronic camera 300 to provide the ability to selectone or more border templates that may be combined with newly captureddigital images, as described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No.5,477,264 to Sarbadhikari et al., the disclosure of which is hereinincorporated by reference;

Configuring the electronic camera 300 to group images into variouscategories or folders, as described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No.5,633,678, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference;

Configuring the electronic camera 300 to provide print ordering from thecamera, as described in commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser.No. 08/977,382, filed Nov. 24, 1997 (docket 75,276) to Parulski, thedisclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference;

Configuring the electronic camera 300 to provide the ability to stitchmultiple images together to produce panoramic images, such as by usingthe method described in commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/224,547, filed Dec. 31, 1998 (docket 77,751) to Parulski, thedisclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference;

Configuring the electronic camera 300 to make selected sounds, such asmaking funny noises as pictures are taken or as various user controls303 are depressed. One or more sound files can be selected from a groupof sound files provided as part of the customization software. Forexample, one particular sound file can be played each time the capturebutton is depressed to take a picture, and a different sound file can beplayed each time a user interface button is depressed when reviewingcaptured pictures;

Configuring the electronic camera 300 to include “slide show” capabilityfor automatically reviewing the image on color LCD image display 332 fora selected period (e.g., five seconds per image) including selected“transition” effects (e.g., fades or pulls) from one image to the next;

Configuring the electronic camera 300 to upload, from the user'scomputer 10 to the electronic camera 300, particularly memorablepersonal images which are stored within firmware memory 328 to enableviewing by others via the color image display 332;

Configuring the electronic camera 300 to composite multiple imagestogether, for example, using the method and apparatus described incommonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,914,748 to Parulski, the disclosure ofwhich is herein incorporated by reference;

Configuring the electronic camera 300 to create html files to produceweb pages in the electronic camera, or to provide the ability to e-mailimages from the electronic camera, for example, as described incommonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/004,046, filedJan. 7, 1998 (docket 75,275) to Ward, the disclosure of which is hereinincorporated by reference;

Configuring the electronic camera 300 to store personal digital data,such as the name, address, and a digital image of the camera owner, inan area of firmware memory 328 (shown in FIG. 3) that cannot be modifiedby the customer. This information can be displayed on an image display332 (shown in FIG. 3), such as a color liquid crystal display (LCD), fora specified period (e.g., five seconds) when the electronic camera 300is turned on. Alternatively, it can be displayed when the appropriate“camera owner information” mode is selected using user controls 303 inconjunction with a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on the imagedisplay 332; and

Configuring the electronic camera 300 to include custom labels attachedto the camera body providing favorite colors, special messages, orimages (such as a picture of the customer's designee, or a favorite logoor cartoon character).

Depending on the features selected, the customer provides appropriatepersonalization information that will later be incorporated into theconfigured electronic camera 300 (block 110 of FIG. 2). Suchpersonalization information can include personal digital data, forexample, ASCII text providing the name, mailing address, phone number,or e-mail address of the customer's designee, or a digital image of thecustomer's designee input using the scanner 24 (shown in FIG. 1) orother forms of digital image input, such as a PictureCD. Thepersonalization information can also include names of people or eventsto be used to categorize images, an address book of e-mail addresses,preferred colors and styles for graphic user interface (GUI) screens,and preferred menu orderings for selected features, to be displayed onthe color LCD image display 332 (shown in FIG. 3). The personalizationinformation can also include one or more border templates selected bythe customer. The personalization information can also be a message fromthe customer to the customer's designee. For example, if the purchase isintended as a birthday gift, the personalization information may be themessage “Happy 40^(th) Birthday John, from Sue”. This message could bedisplayed for a few seconds each time the imaging device 80 is turnedon. The personalization information can also include the preferredcolors, messages, logos, or images for custom product labels 60.

Depending on the variety of features supported, different versions ofelectronic camera 300 can be configured by the product configurationsystem 50. The different versions can, for example, include differentamounts of the firmware memory 328 or use a different capability imageprocessor 320, depending on the type or quantity of features selected bythe customer. The appropriate version of electronic camera 300 isdetermined by the manufacturing customization computer 52 as part of theprocess of customizing the imaging device 80.

In block 112 of FIG. 2, the customer enters delivery and billinginformation. This information identifies the customer and the customer'sdesignee. It includes addresses of both the customer and the customer'sdesignee. The customer also identifies an account to be debited to payfor the configured electronic camera 300. Often this will be a creditcard having a payment identifier that specifies the account of thecustomer to be charged or debited. Frequently, this will be in afinancial institution. The payment identifier can be a credit cardnumber that specifies a particular credit card account. As used in thisspecification, a credit card will also include a debit card.

After the product provider or seller verifies the customer's account andthe availability of the selected imaging device 80, the customer isprovided with an electronic agreement form specifying payment and otheritems such as warranties. If acceptable, the customer typically acceptsthe agreement by clicking a response box on the graphical user interfaceof the computer 10. At this point, the financial institution having thecustomer's account indicates to the product provider or seller thatfunds are available and designates such funds for transfer to theproduct provider or seller. If funds are not available, the customer isso advised and may have to use a different payment identifier.

In block 114, the electronic database 44 provides the productconfiguration center 50 with the customer's selected configuration, andthe personalization information. This can occur immediately after thecustomer accepts the agreement, or at some later time if there is abacklog of products to be configured and shipped for other customers, orif the particular product to be purchased is on backorder and notimmediately available for customization.

In block 118, the manufacturing customization computer 52 shown in FIG.1 provides the particular software programs required to provide thefeatures selected by the customer for the customer's selected imagingdevice 80. The manufacturing customization computer 52 obtains therequired software, either in the form of compiled firmware modules orsource code routines, from the product firmware database 54, andincorporates the personal digital data provided by the customer, toconfigure the personalized firmware for the imaging device 80. Thispersonalized firmware provides the features selected by the customer inblock 108 of FIG. 2 and includes the personalized digital data, such asa digital image of the customer's designee, uploaded by the customer inblock 110. If the product firmware database 54 includes camera sourcecode, the source code is compiled to produce firmware capable of beingexecuted by image processor 320, before being downloaded to theelectronic camera 300.

In block 120, the manufacturing customization computer 52 downloads theconfigured firmware from block 118 to the imaging device 80 in order toprovide a configured imaging device 80, such as the configuredelectronic camera 300. The firmware can be downloaded to the imagingdevice 80 using an cable interface, such as interface cable 342 shown inFIG. 3, which connects between a host interface 322 in the electroniccamera 300 and a host computer 340, which in this situation is themanufacturing customization computer 52. The firmware can,alternatively, be downloaded to the imaging device 80 using a removablememory, such as a removable flash memory card 330 shown in FIG. 3, whichconnects to a memory card interface 324 in the electronic camera 300.These techniques for downloading firmware to an imaging device arefurther described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,264 toSarbadhikari et al., the disclosure of which is herein incorporated byreference.

As shown in FIG. 1, the manufacturing customization computer 52 alsocontrols the product label printer 58 in order to produce the customproduct labels 60. These labels 60 are then attached, for example, byglue or another lamination process, to the configured imaging device 80.The custom product labels 60 are provided in the color scheme selectedby the customer in block 110, and include any special messages, logos,or images (such as a picture of the customer's designee, or a favoritelogo or cartoon character) provided by the customer.

In block 122, the shipping system 70, which communicates with themanufacturing customization computer 52, controls the shipping labelprinter 72 to produce the shipping label 74. As previously describedwith respect to FIG. 1, the configured electronic camera 300 or otherimaging device 80 is placed in a shipping container (not shown), and theshipping label 74 is attached to the shipping container.

In block 124, the configured electronic camera 300 or other imagingdevice 80 is delivered to the customer or the customer's designee. Theterm “delivery” means that the configured electronic camera 300 can beshipped to the customer or the customer's designee by the U.S. PostalService (USPS) or by a carrier service, such as the United ParcelService (UPS) or Federal Express. Alternatively, the configuredelectronic camera 300 can be delivered to a location such as a storewhere it can be picked up.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electronic camera 300 in moredetail, which is a first type of imaging device 80 that can bepersonalized by the product configuration system 50 depicted in FIG. 1.The electronic camera 300 produces digital images that are stored on theremovable memory card 330. The electronic camera 300 includes a zoomlens 312 having zoom and focus motor drives 310 and an adjustableaperture and shutter (not shown). The zoom lens 312 focuses light from ascene (not shown) on an image sensor 314, for example, a single-chipcolor CCD image sensor, using the well-known Bayer color filter pattern.The image sensor 314 is controlled by clock drivers 306. The zoom andfocus motors 310 and the clock drivers 306 are controlled by controlsignals supplied by a control processor and timing generator circuit304. The control processor and timing generator 304 receives inputs fromautofocus and autoexposure detectors 308 and controls a flash 302. Theanalog output signal from the image sensor 314 is amplified andconverted to digital data by the analog signal processing (ASP) andanalog-to-digital (A/D) converter circuit 316. The digital data isstored in a DRAM buffer memory 318 and subsequently processed by aprocessor 320 controlled by the firmware stored in the firmware memory328, which can be flash EPROM memory.

The processed digital image file is provided to a memory card interface324 which stores the digital image file on the removable memory card330. Removable memory cards 330 are known to those skilled in the art.For example, the removable memory card 330 can include memory cardsadapted to the PCMCIA card interface standard, as described in the PCCard Standard, Release 2.0, published by the Personal Computer MemoryCard International Association, Sunnyvale, Calif., September 1991. Theremovable memory card 330 can also be adapted to the Compact Flashinterface standard, such as described in the CompactFlash SpecificationVersion 1.3, published by the CompactFlash Association, Palo Alto,Calif., Aug. 5, 1998. Other types of digital memory devices, such asmagnetic hard drives, magnetic tape, or optical disks, couldalternatively be used to store the digital images.

The processor 320 performs color interpolation followed by color andtone correction, in order to produce rendered sRGB image data. Therendered sRGB image data is then JPEG compressed and stored as a JPEGimage file on the removable memory card 330. The processor 320 alsocreates a “thumbnail” size image that is stored in RAM memory 326 andsupplied to the color LCD image display 332, which displays the capturedimage for the user to review. The electronic camera 300 is controlled byuser controls 303, such as a series of user buttons including a shutterrelease (e.g., capture button) (not shown) which initiates a picturetaking operation. The graphical user interface displayed on the colorLCD image display 332 is controlled by the user interface portion of thefirmware stored in the firmware memory 328. The camera user interfacecan also include a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter and miniaturespeaker (not shown) which makes audible sounds when a new picture istaken, or when the user changes modes or advances to review the nextstored image. The electronic camera 300 can also include a video outputdriver and connector (not shown) for displaying the captured images on aTV (not shown).

After a series of images have been taken and stored on the removablememory card 330, the removable memory card 330 can be inserted into amemory card reader (not shown) in the user's host computer 340, whichmay be the same as the computer 10 in FIG. 1. Alternatively, aninterface cable 342 can be used to connect between the host interface322 in the electronic camera 300 and the corresponding camera interfacein the host computer 340. The interface cable 342 may conform to, forexample, the well-know universal serial bus (USB) interfacespecification.

The electronic camera 300 can alternatively be a motion video camerathat captures a series of image frames from the image sensor 314 as wellas an audio signal from a microphone (not shown). The image processor320 then processes and compresses the image frames and audio informationusing a suitable compression method (e.g., MPEG-4 compression) toprovide movie files that are stored on the removable flash memory card330 or different type of digital recording media, such as digital videotape.

As described earlier in connection with FIG. 2, either the removablememory card 330 or the host interface 322 can be used to upload thecustomized firmware from the manufacturing customization computer 52,when the electronic camera 300 is configured by the manufacturingcustomization computer 52 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an Advanced Photo System (APS) film camera350, which is a second type of imaging device 80 that can bepersonalized by the product configuration system 50 depicted in FIG. 1.The APS film camera 350 includes a zoom lens 352 controlled by zoom andfocus motors 354 and an adjustable aperture and shutter (not shown) forfocusing light from a scene (not shown) onto APS film 380. The aperturesize and shutter exposure time are controlled by a control processor364, which also receives inputs from autofocus and autoexposuredetectors 356 and controls a flash 358 to emit light when the ambientlight level is low. A film transport unit 362 advances the frames of theAPS film 380 under the control of the control processor 364. A magneticwriter unit 360 writes digital data to the film leader, and to eachframe, of the APS film 380, under the control of the control processor364. The control processor 364 executes firmware stored in firmwarememory 370, which may be Flash EPROM memory, in response to user inputsfrom user controls 372. The control processor 364 also providesinformation to an LCD display 374, which can be a data display with oneor more lines of alpha-numeric characters, or a monochrome or colorraster image display. RAM memory 368 temporarily stores the data whichis displayed on the LCD display 374. Film camera 350 can also include adigital-to-analog (D/A) converter and miniature speaker (not shown)which makes audible sounds when a new picture is taken, or when the userdepresses various user controls 372.

A host interface 366 is used to upload the configured firmware from themanufacturing customization computer 52 via an interface cable 367,which can be, for example, an RS-232 serial cable, when the APS filmcamera 350 is configured by the product configuration system 54 of FIG.1.

The configured firmware stored in the firmware memory 370 can includepersonal digital data, for example, the name, address, and a digitalimage of the customer's designee, or a greeting from the customer to thecustomer's designee. This personal digital data can be displayed on theLCD display 374 for a specified period (e.g., five seconds) when the APSfilm camera 350 is turned on. Alternatively, it can be displayed whenthe appropriate “camera owner information” mode is selected using theuser controls 372 used in conjunction with the LCD display 374. Thispersonal digital data can be used to determine the owner, in case theAPS film camera 350 is lost or stolen.

The configured firmware stored in the firmware memory 370 can includemessages appropriate for various images, such as “Happy Birthday, John”,or “Another Picture of the Smith family.” These messages are provided bythe customer in block 110 of FIG. 2, and downloaded to configure the APSfilm camera 350 in block 120 of FIG. 2. The message can be selected bythe camera user after taking a picture, and can be then recorded asASCII text data on the magnetic tracks of the APS film 380. When the APSfilm 380 is developed and printed, the magnetic tracks of the APS film380 are read to recover this ASCII text message. The text message canthen be printed on the back of the print if the print is made byoptically printing the APS film 380. Alternatively, the text message canbe printed on a front corner of the print if the print is made byscanning and digitally printing the APS film 380.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a digital printer 400, which is a thirdtype of imaging device 80 that can be configured by the manufacturingcustomization computer 52 depicted in FIG. 1. The digital printer 400produces digital prints (not shown) from images provided on a removablememory card 430 or via a host interface 442 from a host computer 440.The digital printer 400 includes a media transport mechanism 410, suchas a motor-driven roller, for moving hard copy media (e.g., ink jetpaper) past a marking apparatus 412 (e.g., a color ink jet head) underthe control of a processor 420. The processor 420 controls the markingapparatus 412 to provide controlled amounts of various color inks ordyes in order to produce a pictorial image on the hardcopy media.

Digital image files to be printed can be provided on a memory card 430that interfaces to the processor 420 via a memory card interface 424.The memory card 430 can be adapted to the PCMCIA card interfacespecification, the CompactFlash specification, or similarspecifications. If the image to be printed is supplied in a compressedimage format (e.g., JPEG compression), the processor 420 decompressesthe image. The processor 420 can also provide interpolation, color andtone correction, half-toning, sharpening, or other types of digitalimage processing to prepare the image data properly to be used by themarking apparatus 412.

The processor 420 is controlled by firmware stored in firmware memory428. The digital printer 400 includes a display 432, which can be asimple status display, or which can, alternatively, be a raster imagedisplay. If the display 432 is a status LCD, the user selects prints bypicture number, or alternatively, by creating a print order file, using,for example, the “Digital Print Order Format” (DPOF) specification, whenthe pictures are stored on the memory card 430.

If the display 432 is a raster image display, the processor 420downloads the “thumbnail” size images from the images provided on thememory card 430, which are stored in RAM memory 426 and supplied to thedisplay 432, so that the user can select the images to be printed usinguser controls 430. The graphical user interface displayed on the display432 is controlled by the user interface portion of the firmware storedin the firmware memory 428.

The printer 400 can also include a D/A converter and miniature speaker(not shown) which makes audible sounds when a print is finished andready to be viewed, or when various user controls 430 are depressed.These sound files can be selected by the user in block 108 of FIG. 1,and stored in firmware memory 428. Instead of a raster image display,the printer can include a video output driver and connector (not shown)for displaying the selected images on a TV receiver (not shown).

Either the removable memory card 430 or the host interface 422 can beused to upload the customized firmware to the firmware memory 428 fromthe manufacturing customization computer 52 (shown in FIG. 1), asdescribed earlier in connection with FIG. 2, when the digital printer400 is configured by the product configuration system 50 of FIG. 1.

The configured firmware stored in the firmware memory 428 can includepersonal digital data, for example, the name, address, and a digitalimage of the customer's designee, or a greeting from the customer to thecustomer's designee. If the display 432 is a raster image display, thispersonal digital data can be displayed on the display 432 for aspecified period (e.g., five seconds) when the digital printer 400 isturned on. Alternatively, if the display 432 is a status displayincapable of displaying images, the personal digital data can be printedby the marking apparatus 412 onto the hardcopy media (not shown) whenthe “print camera owner information” mode is selected using the usercontrols 432 used in conjunction with the status display 432.Alternatively, this personal digital data can be printed as part of atest print mode included to test the operation of the digital printer400. This personal digital data can be used to determine the owner, incase the digital printer 400, which can be a small portable device, islost or stolen.

The configured firmware stored in the firmware memory 428 can includefirmware that provides various other features, selected by the customerin block 110 of FIG. 2. These features can include:

Configuring the digital printer 400 to selectively modify the colorimages to produce different types of digital images before printing, inorder to produce monochrome, sepia, false-color, or super saturatedcolor prints;

Configuring the digital printer 400 to support various image fileformats, such as JPEG, TIFF, and JPEG2000;

Configuring the digital printer 400 to provide the ability to modifycaptured images as they are processed, such as by digital zooming andcropping, tone or color adjustments, or sharpness adjustments;

Configuring the digital printer 400 to provide red-eye removal prior toprinting images;

Configuring the digital printer 400 to provide the ability to select oneor more border templates that can be combined with the images to beprinted, as described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,264 toSarbadhikari et al.;

Configuring the digital printer 400 to provide support for printing theimages defined in a print ordering file (for example, a DPOF file), asdescribed in commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/977,382, filed Nov. 24, 1997 (docket 75,276) to Parulski, thedisclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference; and

Configuring the digital printer 400 to provide the ability to stitchmultiple images together to produce panoramic images, such as by usingthe method described in commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/224,547, filed Dec. 31, 1998 (docket 77,751) to Parulski, thedisclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a digital image display device 500, whichis a fourth type of imaging device 80 that can be personalized by theproduct configuration system 50 depicted in FIG. 1. The digital imagedisplay device 500 produces an image on a color image display 532, suchas a color LCD, from images provided on a removable memory card 530 orvia a host interface 542 from a host computer 540. If the image to bedisplayed is supplied in a compressed image format (e.g., JPEGcompression), a processor 520 decompresses the image. The processor 520can also provide decimation to produce an appropriately sized digitalimage for the color image display 532. The processor 520 can furtherprovide color and tone correction, sharpening, or other types of digitalimage processing prior to displaying the image.

The processor 520 is controlled by firmware stored in firmware memory528. The processor 520 creates appropriately sized images that arestored in RAM memory 526 and provided to the color image display 532.The user can select the images to be viewed using user controls 530. Thegraphical user interface displayed on the color image display 532 iscontrolled by the user interface portion of the firmware stored in thefirmware memory 528. Instead of including a color image display as partof the digital image display device 500, the digital image displaydevice 500 can include a video output driver and connector (not shown)for displaying the selected images on a TV receiver(not shown). Thedigital image display device 500 can also include a modem 544 fortransmitting and receiving images.

Either the removable memory card 530 or the host interface 522 can beused to upload the customized firmware from the manufacturingcustomization computer 52, as described earlier in relation to FIG. 1,when the digital image display device 500 is configured by the productconfiguration system 54 of FIG. 1.

The configured firmware stored in the firmware memory 528 can includepersonal digital data, for example, the name, address, and a digitalimage of the customer's designee, or a greeting from the customer to thecustomer's designee. This personal digital data can be displayed on thecolor image display 532 for a specified period (e.g., five seconds) whenthe digital image display device 500 is turned on.

The configured firmware stored in the firmware memory 528 can alsoinclude firmware that provides various other features, selected by thecustomer in block 110 of FIG. 2. These features can include:

Configuring the digital image display device 500 to convert color imagesto different types of images before displaying the images, to providemonochrome, sepia, false-color, or super saturated color images;

Configuring the digital image display device 500 to support variousimage file formats for the images stored on memory card 530, such asJPEG, TIFF, and JPEG2000;

Configuring the digital image display device 500 to provide the abilityto modify captured images as they are processed, such as by digitalzooming and cropping, tone or color adjustments, or sharpnessadjustments; and

Configuring the digital image display device 500 to transmit or receiveimages from an electronic network, such as the Internet, using the modem540, for example, as described in commonly-assigned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/004,046, filed Jan. 7, 1998 (docket 75,275) toWard, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict a photographic film product, which is a one-timeuse (OTU) film camera 600 preloaded with film that can be personalizedas part of the purchase transaction. The camera body is formed ofplastic and is encased in an exterior camera package 610, to which thecustom product labels 60 can be attached, for example, at a position615. The camera package 610 comprises a main front cover section 612, aback cover section 614, a top section 620 and side and bottom sectionswhich surround a light-tight, box shaped, camera body. The main frontcover section 612 is provided with apertures for exposing a taking lens616 and a viewfinder window 618 of the enclosed camera body. The topsection 620 has a pair of apertures for receiving a shutter releasebutton 622 and for viewing an underlying exposure counter wheel number624. An aperture for a viewfinder eyepiece 628 is provided in the backcover section 614 for the camera viewfinder window 618. A thumb wheelopening 630 permits a thumb wheel 640 to be exposed to be rotated by theuser to advance the filmstrip to the next image frame to be exposed. Afilm package of this type is available from the Eastman Kodak Company asthe Fun Saver 35 and in other similar configurations.

FIG. 8 depicts a pre-exposed image on the film used in the OTU filmcamera 600 depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B, or sold as a separate film box.A filmstrip leader 702 and a first image frame 700 a of a filmstrip 700are depicted withdrawn from a film cartridge door 734 of a filmcartridge 730. The film cartridge 730 includes a cartridge shell 736extending between end plates 738 and enclosing a hub 732 in a mannerwell known in the art. The film cartridge 730 is preferably of thethrust type having a light tight film cartridge door 734 that can beopened to advance the filmstrip 700 out of or back into the filmcartridge 730. In this regard, the cartridge hub 732 can be engaged by adrive member (not shown) and rotated in both directions to assist inejecting or retracting the filmstrip 700 out of and back into the openfilm cartridge door 734. The various embodiments of the invention canalso be practiced with the standard film cartridges of the 35 mm type.The filmstrip leader 702 includes closely spaced perforations 728 forautomatic film advance mechanisms used in cameras. The filmstrip 702includes magnetic tracks G01-G0 n which, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention, are recorded with data identifyingspecific services to be provided by a photofinisher. It will beunderstood that the track size, number of tracks, and placement on thefilmstrip leader 702 depicted in FIG. 8 are arbitrary and not to scale.One or more image frames, such as frame 700 a, are pre-exposed withlatent images when the OTU film camera 600 is configured by the productconfiguration system 50 in FIG. 1. The latent images are produced fromdigital images supplied by the customer as part of block 870 in FIG. 10.

FIG. 8 also illustrates a further embodiment of the invention, whereinthe filmstrip 700 and the cartridge 730 are intended to be used in areloadable film camera, rather than in a one-time use camera. In thisaspect, the filmstrip 700 can be wound into the cartridge 730 and placedin a film package 750 for shipping to retail dealers. In thisembodiment, the arrangement including the filmstrip 700 incorporatedinto the cartridge 730, and the film package 750, is a photographic filmproduct. The film package 750 can be, for example, a box, a canister, orany other suitable container, and can include the graphics, text andcolors typically employed to identify the brand, manufacturer, filmspeed, and type of film in a manner well known in the art. It can alsoinclude one or more areas 752 to which the custom product labels 60 canbe affixed. The custom product label 60 can include a digitally printedimage supplied by the customer as part of block 110 in FIG. 2. Thecustom product label 60 can also include text indicating the specificservices to be provided by the photofinisher.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a system used to personalize the OTU filmcamera 700 depicted in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 includes a magnetic recordingsubsystem 810 for recording the data in the magnetic tracks G01-G0 n,and a subsystem 800 for making latent image exposures on one or more ofthe image frames 700 a, as part of the process of configuring thefilmstrip 700 by the product configuration system 50 of FIG. 1. Thesystem is controlled by a system controller 820 which is in turncontrolled by the manufacturing customization computer 52. The filmstrip700 is partly withdrawn from the cartridge 730 and advanced past aperforation sensor 850. Advancement is effected by commands from thesystem controller 820 applied to a mechanism for opening the filmcartridge door 734 of the film cartridge 730 and rotating hub 732 toeject the filmstrip leader 702 and drive it between a first drivenroller 822 and an idler roller 824. A drive roller motor (not shown)rotates the driven roller 822 and the idler motor 824 in a firstdirection in response to drive signals received from the systemcontroller 820. The filmstrip leader 702 is then advanced between abacking support 834 and a magnetic read/write head 836, and magneticrecording in the tracks G01-Gφn is effected by signals applied to themagnetic recording read/write head 836 from the system controller 820.The lengths of the tracks G01-G0 n are controlled by signals receivedfrom a perforation sensor 850. The specific data recorded in magneticrecording tracks G01-Gφn is provided by the manufacturing customizationcomputer 52. After the tracks are recorded, the first drive motordirection is reversed to drive the filmstrip 700 back into the cartridge730, and the film cartridge door 734 is closed.

The subsystem 800 of FIG. 9 enables the digital images provided by theproduct configuration system 50 to be exposed on one or more imageframes 700 a. In order to do so, the filmstrip 700 is advanced in a darkenclosure out of the film cartridge door 734. Then, the filmstrip imageframes are advanced an image frame at a time through a latent imageexposure station 838 and between the second motor driven roller 826 andthe idler roller 828 to present each image frame to be exposed into theexposure gate 848.

The latent image exposure can be produced using various methods. Somecustomers will purchase a large lot of OTU cameras 600 or packaged filmrolls 750 that are to be produced having the same pre-exposed images.For example, several thousand single-use “Packer football” cameras,having a pre-exposed image of quarterback Brett Farve, could be orderedfor sale at a Packer football game. In this case, a digital image ofBrett Farve would be provided by the customer as personalized digitaldata as the lot of OTU cameras 600 is purchased. The manufacturingcustomization computer 52 could connect to a digital hardcopy printer,such as a Kodak XLS 8650 thermal dye sublimation printer (not shown), inorder to produce a transparency 842 (in FIG. 9) of the Brett Farveimage. The product label printer 58 is used to produce the customproduct labels 60 which can include text, for example, “Packer BackerCamera,” and a low resolution image of Brett Farve. The custom productlabels 60 are affixed to the OTU camera 600 (at position 615), or thefilm package (at position 752).

The transparency 842 containing the transparency image to be pre-exposedon the film is illuminated by a light source 840, and the image isprojected in focus on the area 700 a by an imaging lens 846 when ashutter 844 is opened. The filmstrip 700 is clamped in an exposure gate848. The exposure is effected through the opening and closing of theshutter 844 which is operated by signals from the system controller 820.Different latent image exposures can be provided using multipletransparencies and a motorized transparency transport system (notshown). After one or more of the image frames 700 a are exposed in thisfashion, the motor driven rollers 822 and 826, and the hub 732, areoperated in the second direction to retract the filmstrip 700 back intothe film cartridge 730. The film cartridge door 734 of the filmcartridge 730 is then closed under control of the system controller 820.To prevent re-exposure of the pre-exposed frames, the film is thenplaced in the OTU camera 600 and the filmstrip 700 is advanced past thepre-exposed frames. When the film cartridge 730 is separately packagedin the film package 750, the magnetic tracks recorded with each filmframe indicate which image frames have been pre-exposed, usingwell-known mid-roll interrupt methods, to prevent re-exposure of thepre-exposed frames.

Some customers will purchase relatively small lots of OTU cameras 600 orpackaged film rolls 750. In this situation, instead of using thetransparency 842 illuminated by the light source 840, the digital datacan be provided directly to a high resolution digital film writer (notshown), such as a monochrome CRT, which focuses a high resolution imagethrough a red, green, and blue color filter wheel and onto the filmstrip700. Other types of digital film writers, including writers using LCDsand LEDs, can alternatively be used.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a typical purchase transaction forproviding the personalized OTU cameras 600 depicted in FIG. 7 using theapparatus depicted in FIG. 9. As shown in block 860, the customer, usinga digital communication network, logs onto the channel 36, which can bethe Internet as described earlier in relation to block 100 of FIG. 2.

In block 862, the product provider provides the customer with a menu ofcameras and film, such as OTU cameras 600 in FIG. 7 and the packagedfilm 750 in FIG. 8, that are available for customization. The menu canalso include a list of services, such as:

Providing standard optical prints from the film images;

Providing a CD-R or floppy disk with the digitized film images;

Uploading the digitized film images to a web site provided by theproduct provider, or alternatively, a web site designated by the user;and

E-mailing the images to one or more e-mail addresses provided by theuser.

In block 864, the customer selects what type of product to purchase, andthe desired quantity. At that point, in block 866, a menu ofcustomizable features that can be selected, and corresponding prices, ispresented to the customer. In block 868, the customer selects thedesired features of the product they decide to purchase.

The features from which the customer can select may include:

Providing text, graphics, or digital images to create custom labels thatare affixed to the OTU camera 600 in FIG. 7 or the film package 750 inFIG. 8;

Providing one or more digital images to be pre-exposed on the filmcontained within the OTU camera 600 in FIG. 7 or the film package 750 inFIG. 8;

Identifying, using magnetic tracks Gφn in FIG. 8 that the film imagesshould be chemically developed and then optically printed, or digitallyscanned and digitally printed to produce one or more service prints foreach exposed film frame, having a size (e.g., 3.5″×5″, 4″×6″) and finish(e.g., glossy, matt) selected by the user;

Identifying, using magnetic tracks Gφn in FIG. 8 that the film imagesshould be digitized and digitally processed to provide a modified image,such as monochrome, sepia, false-color, or super saturated color images,rather than normal color images;

Identifying, using magnetic tracks Gφn in FIG. 8 that the film imagesshould be digitized and stored on a digital media selected by the user,such as a floppy disk or PictureCD;

Identifying, using magnetic tracks Gφn in FIG. 8, that the film imagesshould be digitized and digitally processed to combine a border templatewith the film images, as described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No.5,758,216 to Arnold, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated byreference;

Identifying, using magnetic tracks Gφn in FIG. 8, that the film imagesshould be digitized and the digital image files should be uploaded tothe Internet to a prescribed Internet URL (Universal Resource Locator)provided by the customer, or to a service account provided by theproduct provider;

Identifying, using magnetic tracks Gφn in FIG. 8, that the film imagesshould be digitized and the digital image files should be e-mailed toone or more e-mail addresses provided by the customer; and

Identifying, using magnetic tracks Gφn in FIG. 8, personal digital data,such as the name, address, or copyright notice of the camera owner. Thisinformation can be printed on the front or back of prints produced fromthe exposed film.

Depending on the features selected, the customer uploads the necessarydigital images, graphics, name, copyright notice, e-mail addresses, orweb URLs (block 870). The personalization information can also includean identifier for one or more border templates that can be provided bythe product provider. For example, the customer may be a bride orderingseveral dozen OTU cameras for a wedding. The bride can upload a digitalimage of the wedding couple, to be used to produce the custom productlabels 60 along with a text message “John and Sue, Jan. 28, 2000”. Thebride can select two 4×6 digital prints of each image made, and alsoselect a border template having a wedding motif from a selection ofborder templates displayed in block 866. The template can be furtherpersonalized by adding the same text message “John and Sue, Jan. 28,2000”, or a different message. The bride can also decide to have adigital image file produced from each film frame and uploaded to a website provided by the service provider, which can later be viewed by allthe wedding guests.

In block 872, the customer enters delivery and billing information. Thisinformation identifies the customer and the customer's designee, asdescribed earlier in relation to block 112 of FIG. 2. In block 872, theelectronic database 44 provides the product configuration center 50 withthe customer's selected configuration, and the personalizationinformation.

In block 876, the manufacturing customization computer 52 controls aproduct label printer 58 in order to produce the custom product labels60. These custom product labels 60 are then attached, for example, byglue or another lamination process, to the OTU camera 600 in FIG. 7 orthe film package 750 in FIG. 8. The custom product labels 60 areprovided in the color scheme selected by the customer in block 870, andinclude any special messages, logos, or images provided by the customer.

In block 878, the digital images are pre-exposed as latent images ontothe film frames 700, and the magnetic tracks G0 n of the film frames arerecorded, as described earlier in relation to FIG. 9. The informationrecorded in the magnetic tracks identifies the services selected inblock 868. For example, it identifies what quantity, size, and finishhard copy prints have been selected. It further identifies whether atemplate border file should be used, and if so, the identificationnumber of the selected border and any text message that should beincluded in the border file. It further identifies whether the filmimages should be scanned and provided as digital files on a particularmedia, or uploaded to a web site or e-mailed to one or more addresses.In one embodiment of the present invention, all of this information isstored using the magnetic recording tracks Gn. In another embodiment,only an identification number is stored using the magnetic recordingtracks Gn, or alternatively, using a bar code or other identificationnumber on the OUT camera 600. This identification number is used toaccess a corresponding services file stored in the electronic database44. When the filmstrip 700 is later developed, this identificationnumber is read and used to access the appropriate services file todetermine what services and customization options (e.g., border files)have been purchased by the customer.

In block 880, the shipping system 70, which communicates with themanufacturing customization computer 52, controls the shipping labelprinter 72 to produce the shipping label 74. The customized group of OUTcameras 600 or the packaged films 750 is placed in an appropriatelysized shipping container (not shown), and the shipping label 74 isattached to the shipping container. In block 882, the shipping containeris delivered to the customer or the customer's designee.

In block 884, the customers expose the film as in normal picture-taking,and submit the exposed film, or completely used OTU cameras 600, fordevelopment and services. This can be accomplished by mailing the filmcartridges 730 or the OTU cameras 600 back to the product provider, orby taking the film cartridges 730 or OTU cameras 600 to a retailestablishment associated with the product provider.

In block 886, the film magnetic tracks are read to determine theservices that need to be provided. As described earlier in relation toblock 878, this is done either by directly reading the services encodedas magnetically recorded information on the filmstrip 700, oralternatively, by reading the identification number recorded in themagnetic track or the bard code or ID number on the OUT camera 600 andusing this identification number to access a corresponding services filestored in electronic database 44, to determine what services andcustomization options have been purchased by the customer. In block 888,the appropriate prints, electronic media, and other services purchasedby the customer are provided from the developed film images.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a typical lease transaction for providingpersonalized digital imaging products and services. In this embodiment,a customer leases a digital imaging device, such as the electroniccamera 300. The lease can include, for example, a monthly fee for theuse of both the electronic camera 300 and the use of services associatedwith the electronic camera 300. Alternatively, the lease can includepayment for services associated with the electronic camera 300 on anas-used basis.

As shown in block 150, the customer, using a digital communicationnetwork, logs onto the channel 36 which can be the Internet, asdescribed earlier in relation to block 100 of FIG. 2.

In block 152, the service provider provides the customer with a menu ofimaging devices 80 that are available for lease, such as the electroniccamera 300 depicted in FIG. 3, the APS film camera 350 depicted in FIG.4, the digital printer 400 depicted in FIG. 5, and the digital imagedisplay device 500 depicted in FIG. 6. The menu can also include a listof services that can be provided.

In block 154, the customer selects a desired type of imaging device 80to lease, for example, the electronic camera 300. At that point, inblock 156, a menu of customizable features and services that can beselected, and corresponding prices, is presented to the customer. Inblock 158, the customer selects the personalization options for both theelectronic camera 300, as well as the services that can be performed ondigital images from the electronic camera 300.

The camera features from which the customer can select include thosedescribed earlier in relation to block 108 of FIG. 2. The services thatcan be provided include:

Digitally printing images produced by the camera to produce one or moreservice prints for each exposed film frame, having a size (e.g.,3.5″×5″, 4″×6″) and finish (e.g., glossy, matt) selected by thecustomer, as well as an optional border template file or back printedinformation selected by the customer;

Storing the digital images produced by the camera on a digital mediaselected by the customer, such as a PictureCD;

The service provider storing, and maintaining for a user selected periodof time (e.g., 30 days, 1 year, or 10 years), the digital imagesproduced by the camera on an Internet accessible digital storage device,such as on a hard drive connected to an Internet server; and

E-mailing the digital images to one or more e-mail addresses provided bythe customer.

Depending on the features selected, the customer provides appropriatepersonalization information that will later be incorporated into theconfigured electronic camera 300 (block 160) as described earlier inrelation to block 110 of FIG. 2, as well as personalization informationfor the selected services, such as the ID of the selected template file.

In block 162, the customer enters delivery and billing information, asdescribed earlier in relation to block 112 of FIG. 2. In block 164, theelectronic database 44 provides the product configuration center 50 withthe customer's selected configuration and personalization informationfor the selected imaging device 80 and the selected services.

In block 168, the manufacturing customization computer 52 shown in FIG.1 selects the particular software programs required to provide thefeatures selected by the customer for the customer's selected imagingdevice 80, as described earlier in relation to block 118 of FIG. 2. Themanufacturing customization computer 52 also controls the product labelprinter 58 in order to produce the custom product labels 60.

In block 170, the manufacturing customization computer 52 downloads theconfigured firmware to the imaging device 80 in order to provide aconfigured imaging device, such as a configured electronic camera 300.

In block 172, the shipping system 70, which communicates withmanufacturing customization computer 52, controls the shipping labelprinter 72 to produce the shipping label 74. The configured electroniccamera 300 or other imaging device 80 is placed in a shipping container(not shown), and the shipping label 74 is attached to the shippingcontainer. In block 174, the configured electronic camera 300 or otherimaging device 80 is delivered to the customer or the customer'sdesignee.

In block 176, a service user account is established for the customer,which defines the services to be provided to the customer. This serviceaccount information can be provided as part of electronic database 44,or as a separate digital database. These services can be provided fordigital images uploaded by the customer to the service provider via thechannel 36, such as the Internet. Alternatively, they could be providedby taking the removable memory 330 from the electronic camera 300 to aretail establishment associated with the service provider, and providingan appropriate service identifier, such as a service identificationnumber. This service identification number can be stored in the firmwarememory 328 of the electronic camera 300 by the manufacturingcustomization computer 52 when the electronic camera 300 is configured.The service identification number can then be stored onto the removableflash memory 330, either as part of each image file, or as a separatedigital record, so that it can be used to automatically access theservice account for the user to determine what services should beprovided. When desired, the customer can modify the service user accountto add additional services and to modify the lease agreement to includethe additional services and to provide payment for such services.

A computer program product, such as a readable storage medium, can storethe programs in accordance with the present invention for operating themethods set forth above. The readable storage medium can be a magneticstorage media, such as a magnetic disk (such as a floppy disk) ormagnetic tape; optical storage media, such as an optical disk, anoptical tape, or a machine readable bar code; solid state electronicstorage devices, such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read onlymemory (ROM); or any other physical device or medium employed to storecomputer programs.

The present invention is not limited to the particular leasing and/orsales arrangements discussed above. Various other methods for providingphotographic goods and services may be employed in accordance with thepresent invention. Referring to FIG. 12, there is illustrated aschematic diagram of an alternate method and system 900 in accordancewith the present invention, like numerals indicating like parts andoperations as previously discussed. A consumer or customer desiring toutilize the system 900 would access a service provider 908 via anyappropriate communication network using an appropriate input station.Examples of suitable input stations are illustrated in FIG.12. Forexample, a personal computer 910, a kiosk 912 at retail location, acable set top box 914, cellular phone 915, or a hard wired phone 917.With respect to the use of computer 910, communication with photographicservice provider 908 is accomplished through the use of an internetservice provider 918 which provides communication via the internet 919.The user can input selections utilizing software provided by the serviceprovider 908 or a third party. The software could include a menu ofcameras to be selected and a menu of photographic product/service plansto be supplied by photographic product/service provider 908. The serviceprovider 908 could be a photofinishing wholesale lab, a minilab, aretail store, etc. As illustrated the service provider 908 has a server920 for communication to various input stations. The server 920 is incommunication with a computer 922 which includes image data base 924 forstoring digital images sent to the service provider 908 and a customerdata base 926 for associating the stored digital images with particularcustomer. The service provider 908 is associated with a fulfillmentprovider 918 that provides the goods and/or services being requested bythe customer through the service provider 908. These goods and servicesmay comprise the purchase and/or lease of any goods and/or services,including but not limited to prints, mugs, digital image storage andremote access, photo CD, reprints, image services, etc. The fulfillmentprovider 918 may be separate or be incorporated as a part of the serviceprovider 908.

As previously noted digital images and customer orders for goods and/orservices can be obtained and communicated to service provider 908 byvarious means. For example a digital camera 928 may be used forcapturing of digital images which can down loaded to personal computer910, phone 917, or kiosk 912. The digital images and orders can then beforwarded to access service provider 908 through internet serviceprovider (ISP) 932 and internet 919.

Alternatively, digital images may be forwarded to service provider 908from cable box 914 which is communication with a cable head end server938 of a local cable service provider 939. The cable box 914 is hook toan associated television and/or monitor 941. The cable service provider939 may also have a digital storage device 940 for storing digitalimages and associated information forwarded from the cable box 914.Digital images may be inputted into cable box 914 using digital camera928 and appropriate Universal Serial Bus (USB) port provided on box 914.A touch pad 936 on box 914 or remote cable box control device may beused to program box 914 for receiving and/or transmitting of images andassociated date to and from server 938. An advantage of using a localcable provider 939 is that transmissions to and from the cable box 914is on a broadband communication network which allows for the quicktransmission of large digital data files such as that associated withdigital image files. Additionally use of a cable box avoids thenecessity of a customer to have a computer in the house and payadditional communication fees for an ISP and/or extra communicationlines. When an image is uploaded to the cable service provider 939 it ispreferably done at a high resolution. This allows the cable serviceprovider 939 to be able forward on as a high resolution digital image oras low resolution image, retaining the high resolution image at database 940. This is of additional advantage in the situation when thecustomer forwards the image to another third person, such as a relative,who does not have a computer, but has a cable box 914. The lowresolution image can be forwarded to the third party and the third partycan place an customer order as previously discussed with the imageservice provider 908. The high resolution image would then be sent tothe service provider 908 avoiding the necessity of sending the highresolution to the third party, and thus, making it more efficient imagetransmission system for all involved. An acknowledgement can be sent tothe original customer advising the customer that the third party hasplaced an order using one of the forwarded images. A confirmationmessage can also be sent to the third party customer through use of thecable box 914. The original customer can also place a customer imageorder with the service provider 908 which is to be forwarded to adesignated third party and confirmation of this can be forwarded to thedesignated third party. The customer image order may comprise, but notlimited to print, a product having an image, for example, a mousepad,puzzle, shirt, album page, etc.

At any of the input stations a user can select a camera from a menu ofcameras or other available goods or services. In the situation wherephotographic input station is located at a retail location, the customercould also have the option of trying out several selected cameras todecide which camera the customer would prefer. At the same time, thecustomer can select a photographic product/service plan from a menu ofavailable plans that is associated with the selected camera. Thephotographic product/service plan will define the photographic productsand/or services that are associated with the selected camera.

The photographic product/service plan would also be set for a monthly oryearly fee in which a predetermined amount of photographic servicesand/or products, as discussed above, are provided to the user for thedesignated fee. Once the user selects the camera and the photographicproduct/service plan, this information is entered into a customer database to set up a user product/service account indicative of the selectedcamera and the selected photographic product/service plan. The data basestores the information with respect the selected camera and the selectedphotographic product/service plan, and is further adapted to update theuser product/service account as services and/or products are provided tothe customer. In addition more than one plan may be associated with asingle input station. Separate accounts can then be set up with respectto an individual and/or a particular camera or other product. An accountID or product serial number could be used for identification of aparticular account.

In the case where the selected camera is a film camera or hybriddigital-film camera, the photographic product/service plan can providephotographic services and/or products such as supplying a selectedamount of photographic prints from rolls of film exposed by the selectedcamera 14 a, automatically supplying additional rolls of unexposed filmat a predetermined rate. The predetermined rate may be at a specificcycle rate, for example, five rolls of film per month, a new roll whenan exposed roll is received, or upon request. Further, the photographicproduct/service can include scanning images on the film exposed by theselected camera 928 to create a digital record of the image. As afurther option, the photographic product/service plan can includescanning the film exposed by the selected camera and providing a disk orphoto CD of the scanned images. As a yet further option, the digitalrecord of the scanned images can be returned to a user or designatedrecipient electronically via, for example, internet. A further optioncan involve scanning and storing the images for a predetermined amountof time. Other options available under the photographic product/serviceplan could include the creation of image products 14 a such as cups,mugs, T-shirts, etc.

In the case where the selected camera is a digital camera, thephotographic product/service plan could provide photographic servicesand/or products in the form of (1) the electronic storage of imagescaptured by the camera for a predetermined amount of time as set in thephotographic product/service plan; (2) the electronic forwarding ofimages captured by the camera to a designated recipient; (3) theprovision of prints of images captured by the digital camera; (4) theprovision of an image product such as a T-shirt for an image captured bythe camera; or (5) a disk having the images captured by the selectedcamera.

Of course, it is noted that under the system and method of the presentinvention, the user is not limited to pre-selected services and/orproducts under a plan. With the system and method of the presentinvention, a user can create personal customized plans which onlyincludes services and/or products specifically chosen by him/her.

Thus, for a periodic fee such as a monthly or yearly fee, the user wouldhave photographic services and/or products as described above renderedto images digitally captured and/or film exposed by the selected camera.The fulfillment center 918 operationally associated with photographicproduct/service provider 908 would continually update the created userproduct/service account as photographic services and/or products arerendered to a user and/or completed.

At the end of the account, subscription or contract, the user may havethe option of keeping the selected camera at no cost, purchasing theselected camera at a reduced rate, or exchanging the selected camera fora new camera.

Thus, an advantage of the system and method of the present invention isthat it provides for a convenient way for a consumer to use a high enddigital camera at a low front end cost. It further permits the consumerto bundle the use of the selected camera with a variety of customerproduct/service plans which can be customized in accordance with theconsumer's preference.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference tocertain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood thatvariations and modifications can be effected within the scope of thepresent invention. The present invention being limited by the claimsthat follow.

PARTS LIST

-   10 computer-   12 CPU motherboard-   14 display monitor-   16 keyboard-   18 mouse-   20 hard drive-   22 dial-in modem-   24 color scanner-   30 Internet service provider equipment-   32 modem-   34 computers/routers-   36 channel-   40 product customization center-   42 Internet server-   44 electronic database-   46 billing system-   50 product configuration system-   52 manufacturing customization computer-   54 product firmware database-   58 product label printer-   60 custom label-   70 shipping system-   72 shipping label printer-   74 shipping label-   80 customized imaging device-   300 electronic camera-   302 flash-   303 user controls-   304 control processor and timing generator circuit-   306 clock driver-   308 autofocus and autoexposure detectors-   310 zoom and focus motor drives-   312 zoom lens-   314 image sensor-   316 analog signal processing and analog-to-digital converter circuit-   318 DRAM buffer memory-   320 image processor-   322 host interface-   324 memory card interface-   326 RAM memory-   328 firmware memory-   330 flash memory card-   332 image display-   340 host computer-   342 interface cable-   350 film camera-   352 zoom lens-   354 zoom and focus motors-   356 autofocus and autoexposure detectors-   358 flash-   360 magnetic writer unit-   362 film transport unit-   364 control processor-   366 host interface-   367 interface cable-   368 RAM memory-   370 firmware memory-   372 user controls-   374 LCD display-   380 APS film-   400 digital printer-   410 media transport mechanism-   412 marking apparatus-   420 processor-   424 memory card interface-   426 RAM memory-   428 firmware memory-   430 removable memory card-   432 display-   440 host computer-   442 host interface-   500 digital image display device-   520 processor-   526 RAM memory-   528 firmware memory-   530 removable memory card-   532 color image display-   540 host computer-   542 host interface-   544 modem-   600 one-time use film camera-   610 exterior camera package-   612 main front cover section-   614 back cover section-   615 position-   616 taking lens-   618 viewfinder window-   620 top section-   622 shutter release button-   624 exposure counter wheel number-   628 viewfinder eyepiece-   630 thumb wheel opening-   640 thumb wheel-   700 filmstrip-   700 a first image frame-   702 filmstrip leader-   728 perforation-   730 film cartridge-   732 hub-   734 film cartridge door-   736 cartridge shell-   738 end plates-   750 film package-   752 area-   800 subsystem-   810 magnetic recording subsystem-   820 system controller-   822 motor driven roller-   824 idler roller-   826 motor driven roller-   828 idler roller-   832 hub-   834 backing support-   836 magnetic read/write head-   840 light source-   842 transparency-   844 shutter-   846 imaging lens-   848 exposure gate-   850 perforation sensor-   860 block-   862 block-   864 block-   866 block-   868 block-   870 block-   872 block-   874 block-   876 block-   878 block-   880 block-   882 block-   884 block-   886 block-   888 block-   908 service provider-   910 personal computer-   912 kiosk-   914 cable set top box-   915 cellular phone-   917 phone-   918 fulfillment provider-   919 Internet-   920 server-   922 computer-   924 image database-   926 customer database-   928 digital camera-   932 Internet Service Provider (ISP)-   936 touch pad-   939 cable service provider-   940 digital storage device-   941 TV/monitor

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for providing a plurality of digitalcameras and storing digital images captured by at least one of theplurality of digital cameras on behalf of a user, the method comprising:receiving a selection from the user for a particular digital camera froma plurality of differently configured digital cameras; receiving aselection from the user for a service plan having a designated periodicfee, the selected service plan being associated with the selecteddigital camera; storing, in a computer database, information identifyingthe selected digital camera and its associated service plan; storingdigital images captured using the selected digital camera in accordancewith the associated service plan, wherein the digital images captured byof the selected digital camera is stored on a storage system remote fromthe selected digital camera, the image storage system being accessibleover a network; and billing the user on a periodic basis in accordancewith the selected service plan.
 2. A method for providing a plurality ofdigital cameras and storing digital images captured by the plurality ofdigital cameras on behalf of a plurality of users, the methodcomprising: receiving a selection of a particular digital camera from aplurality of differently configured digital cameras by each of theplurality of users; receiving a selection of a service plan having adesignated periodic fee by each of the plurality of users, each selectedservice plan being associated with a corresponding user's digitalcamera; storing, in a computer database, information identifying each ofthe plurality of digital cameras and its associated service plan;storing digital images captured using the plurality of digital camerasin accordance with each associated service plan, wherein the digitalimages captured by each of the plurality of digital cameras are storedon the same image storage system remote from each of the plurality ofdigital cameras, the image storage system being accessible over anetwork; and billing each of the plurality of users on a periodic basisin accordance with the designated periodic fee for their selectedservice plan.
 3. A method for providing a plurality of digital camerasand storing digital images captured by at least one of the plurality ofdigital cameras on behalf of a user by a service provider, the methodcomprising: said service provider receiving a selection from the userfor a particular digital camera from a plurality of differentlyconfigured digital cameras; said service provider receiving a selectionfrom said user for a service plan having a designated periodic fee, theselected service plan being associated with the selected digital camera;said service provider storing, in a computer database, informationidentifying the selected digital camera and its associated service plan;said service provider storing digital images captured using the selecteddigital camera in accordance with the associated service plan, whereinthe digital images captured by of the selected digital camera is storedon a storage system remote from the selected digital camera, the imagestorage system being accessible over a network; and said serviceprovider billing the user on a periodic basis in accordance with theselected service plan.
 4. A method for providing a plurality of digitalcameras and storing digital images captured by the plurality of digitalcameras on behalf of a plurality of users by a service provider, themethod comprising: said service provider receiving a selection of aparticular digital camera from a plurality of differently configureddigital cameras by each of the plurality of users; said service providerreceiving a selection of a service plan having a designated periodic feeby each of the plurality of users, each selected service plan beingassociated with the user's digital camera; said service providerstoring, in a computer database, information identifying each of theplurality of digital cameras and its associated service plan; saidservice provider storing digital images captured using the plurality ofdigital cameras in accordance with each associated service plan, whereinthe digital images captured by each of the plurality of digital camerasare stored on the same image storage system remote from each of theplurality of digital cameras, the image storage system being accessibleover a network; and said service provider billing each of the pluralityof users on a periodic basis in accordance with the designated periodicfee for their selected service plan.